Electronic calculator with a program calculation function

Abstract

An electronic calculator has a program calculation function. The calculator also includes a key for designating substitution of numeral data for variables, a key for designating a variable, and a key for representing an interval of variables in addition to normal numeric keys. When numeral data (e.g., 10) is to be substituted for variables (e.g., A to D and H to K) among certain program variables, an operator designates numeral data "10", variables A to D and H to K with the keys. A control section then starts a substituting operation by storing the numeral data "10" in memory areas of a variable memory defined by addresses corresponding to the variables A to D and H to K. Thus, the numeral data "10" is substituted for the variables A to D and H TO K.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic calculator with a program calculation function, comprising: key input means including numerical keys for inputting numerical data, function keys, variable keys corresponding to a plurality of variables and arranged to designate selected ones of said variables, and an interval key for indicating a group of variables defined between two designated variables;   program memory means for storing program data which contains designated variables among said plurality of variables;   variable memory means for storing numerical data, said variable memory means including a plurality of memory areas arranged in a predetermined incremental order, each of said memory area corresponding to a different one of said plurality of variables, and said memory areas are arranged to be addressable by address data which defines an associated variable;   first memory means for storing address data corresponding to a first designated variable selected by operation of a first variable key;   second memory means for storing address data corresponding to a second designated variable selected by a second variable key operated consecutively after operation of said first variable key and said interval key in the stated order;   comparing means for comparing the address data stored in said first memory means with the address stored in said second memory means, and for generating a comparing signal corresponding to a comparison result;   updating means for receiving the comparing signal and for incrementing the address data stored in said first memory means until the incremented address data in said first memory means at least coincides with the address data in the second memory means; and   control means for controlling said variable memory means to store a predetermined numerical data input by said numerical keys at corresponding memory area addressed by original address data corresponding to said first designated variable, and by the incremented addreses data as stored in said first memory means by operation of said updating means;   wherein the predetermined numerical data is stored in those memory areas of said variable memory means associated with the group of consecutive variables indicated by operation of said interval key.   
     
     
       2. A calculator according to claim 1, comprising third memory means for storing numerical data inputted from said key input means, and wherein said control means includes means for transferring the numerical data stored in said third memory means to said variable memory means. 
     
     
       3. A calculator according to claim 1, comprising third memory means for storing an address data of a designated variable inputted from said key input means, and said control means includes means for transferring numerical data in the memory area addressed by the address data in said third memory means to said variable memory means. 
     
     
       4. A calculator according to claim 1, wherein said key input means comprises a break key which indicates a break between a plurality of designated consecutive variables and at least one other variable; and said control means includes means for controlling said variable memory means so that numerical data is stored into memory areas corresponding to the designated consecutive variables and said at least one other variable.